
(Photo: Corporal David Said)
The Department of Defence has announced it is to formally cease Operation Bushfire Assist following the completion of all emergency and recovery tasks requested by State and local authorities.
Minister for Defence, Senator Linda Reynolds said the Operation was the largest mobilisation of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for domestic disaster relief in Australian history.
“I am so proud of the service our permanent and part-time ADF members provided as part of this response,” Senator Reynolds said.
“I acknowledge and thank the families and employers of our Reservists for their understanding and support that has made this response possible.”
Senator Reynolds said that as part of the Operation, Defence personnel had cleared more than 4,850 kilometres of roads; repaired 1,285 kilometres of fencing; cleared 240 kilometres of fire breaks; produced nearly 10 million litres of drinking water for Kangaroo Island and Bega; and provided more than 77,000 meals on Defence bases for emergency services personnel and evacuees.
She said that at its peak, more than 6,500 ADF members provided support as part of emergency relief, response and recovery operations, including around 3,000 from the Reserve forces.
“Defence will continue to provide support to non-emergency recovery operations,” the Minister said.
Prime Minister, Scott Morrison said he “couldn’t be prouder of the way Defence has been assisting emergency services across the country”.
Operation Bushfire Assist commenced on 31 December last year to support State fire and emergency services across NSW, Victoria and Queensland and later provided support to the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and Tasmania.